Dick Clark on American Bandstand, New Year’s Eve, and More Memorable TV Moments (Video)

04.18.12 9:21 PM ET

The King of Pop Meets the King of Bandstand, 1972

Dick Clark wasn’t dubbed “American’s oldest teenager” for nothing. As the longtime host of American Bandstand, the former DJ introduced pop-music hits to the adolescent mainstream from 1956 to 1989. In this clip from a 1972 show, Clark interviews a young Michael Jackson about his favorite music, pet snake, and if there are any questions the pop star hasn’t answered yet.

It's a Rockin' New Year's Eve, 2012

It’s not a good New Year’s Eve if there’s no Dick Clark. The host started ringing in the New Year on TV in 1972 and continued this household tradition until 2004, when he suffered a stroke that left him partially paralyzed and unable to speak. His absence was short lived, though, and in 2005 he returned. With the help of Ryan Seacrest, Clark continued co-hosting the show until its 40th anniversary in 2012. No doubt Seacrest has some big shoes to fill.

Dick Clark Meets … Dick Clark, 1960

Before there were Tupac holograms, Dick Clark brought camera tricks to the American teenage mainstream. In this charming commercial during Bandstand, the host was interrupted by himself, appearing as a double thanks to 1950s technology. Half a century later, Coachella has advertising masterminds behind Beech Nut Gum to thank.

Dick Clark: 'This Is Your Life!', 1959

Before he'd even lived half of it, Clark was presented with a retrospective of his life thanks to Ralph Edwards and the popular television documentary series, This Is Your Lifein 1959. Friends and family members took a few moments to talk about the beloved brother he'd lost, how he'd enriched their lives, and why they thought he was “such a great guy.”

Clark’s Lifetime Achievement Award, 1994

He was in a league of his own. In 1994, Clark was honored for his successful television career at the Daytime Emmy Awards. Instead of thanking individuals, he simply thanked American Bandstand—the “silly little dance show” that made him a household name.

The ‘Pyramid’ of Success, 1986

From dance shows to quiz shows, the host did it all. Pyramid was an afternoon television staple in the '70s and '80s that brought Clark a daytime audience and three Emmy awards. Watch as Clark pokes fun at celebrity guest Vicki Lawrence’s choice of game-show attire.